Stanbic Bank Donates Handwashing Stations to The Ministry Of Industrialization

The Jua Kali sector has received a significant boost in the fight against COVID-19 following a donation of two hundred and ten (210) handwashing stations from the Stanbic Bank Foundation.

The donation worth more than two million Kenya shillings (2 million) was received by the Ministry of Industrialization Trade and Enterprise Development.

The Ministry will distribute the handwashing stations to Jua Kali traders located in Kariobangi and across the 47 counties as a way of encouraging and promoting sanitation.

Receiving the handwashing station, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Industrialization, Ms. Betty Maina commended this partnership with Stanbic Bank Kenya and its commitment to helping the informal sector to continue operating in a safe environment.

“No one is certain of when this pandemic will end, so we must put in place mechanisms that will help the vulnerable business communities to survive,” said the CS.

The Jua Kali is one of the sectors hit hard by the pandemic. They work in congested environments as they have to keep close contact with their customers. The stations will be set up in various Jua Kali markets and will help curb the spread of the virus by promoting regular handwashing.

The Ministry has set in place work environment guidelines to help in the containment of the spread of COVID-19. The guidelines, developed in partnership with the private sector spell out social distancing measures as well as cleaning, disinfection, and the mandatory use of protective gear.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Kenya, Charles Mudiwa noted the number of COVID-19 cases rising over the past month and urged citizens to remain vigilant.

“As a Kenyan bank, our support to the nation does not only go beyond financial banking but also extends to the wellbeing of our society. We have formed this partnership with the Ministry to ensure that the Jua Kali traders who have been greatly affected by the pandemic are being provided with support to continue functioning and provide for their families.”

The partnership is an effort that forms part of Stanbic Banks Social Economic and Environmental initiatives (SEE initiatives) and is driven by its DADA proposition, a flagship project geared towards supporting women. The Stanbic Bank Foundations also runs Stanbic Accelerator which aims at developing the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises to boost their productivity for the broader growth of the Kenyan economy.

“As a Kenyan bank, we are committed to driving the country’s growth. We believe that all Kenyans are in a unique position to make a difference in their communities. Our goal is to ensure that our society can rise above its present circumstances, go further in their workplaces and business, and go global in their thinking and undertakings”, said Mr. Mudiwa